A bit crunchy, somewhat tacky, and filled with daring taco flavors—this Frito Taco Salad is the sort of dish that disappears quick at any gathering. It’s loaded with seasoned floor beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and black beans, all tossed along with crunchy Fritos and a tangy Catalina dressing. Whether or not you’re heading to a summer time BBQ, internet hosting a recreation night time, or simply craving one thing enjoyable and flavorful for dinner, this salad is a assured hit.


Fast to whip up and straightforward to customise, this taco salad is the proper steadiness of contemporary components and indulgent crunch. You get the hearty goodness of a taco in salad type, and the perfect half? The Fritos keep crisp till the final chunk.
What’s a Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing?
Frito Taco Salad is a Tex-Mex-inspired dish that mixes all the perfect components of a taco with the crunch of Fritos corn chips. As an alternative of utilizing a taco shell, the chips give the salad a satisfying texture whereas absorbing simply the correct quantity of flavorful dressing. This salad is hearty sufficient to be a meal by itself but additionally works as an awesome aspect dish for potlucks and events.
What Makes This Salad Wholesome?
Whereas Frito Taco Salad does have some indulgent components, it additionally contains loads of contemporary greens and fiber-rich black beans. Utilizing lean floor beef or swapping in floor turkey makes it lighter, and including further veggies like bell peppers or avocado boosts the dietary worth. Plus, you’ll be able to management the quantity of dressing to maintain it balanced.
RELATED: Seven Layer Taco Salad – Think about serving up a salad that has all of the zest and heartiness of your favourite tacos however with the additional benefit of a shocking presentation. This Seven Layer Taco Salad recipe is as simple to assemble as it’s scrumptious, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and festive gatherings alike.


Why You’ll Love This Straightforward Potluck Salad Recipe
- Fast to arrange: Prepared in about 25 minutes from begin to end.
- Nice for teams: Good for BBQs, recreation days, potlucks or household dinners.
- Customizable: Swap out components to match your style or dietary preferences.
- Crunchy and flavorful: The combo of textures and flavors retains each chunk attention-grabbing.
- Child-friendly: The tacky, crunchy goodness makes it a success with all ages.
What Instruments Do You Must Make This Salad?
- Massive skillet (for cooking the meat)
- Wood spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Massive salad bowl (for mixing every part collectively)
- Reducing board and knife (for chopping veggies)
- Can opener (for beans and corn)
- Measuring cups (for dressing and toppings)
Substances you’ll want


- 1 lb floor beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) low sodium taco seasoning (you’ll be able to both buy taco seasoning, or you’ll be able to make your individual low-sodium taco seasoning)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced pink onion
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (11 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- ¾ cup Catalina salad dressing
- ½ cup bitter cream (elective)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (elective)
Make sure to take a look at the total ingredient checklist and printable recipe within the recipe card under.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Traditional Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
- Cook dinner the meat: In a big skillet over medium warmth, brown the bottom beef, breaking it up because it cooks. Drain any extra grease.


- Season the meat: Stir within the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes till the combination thickens. Take away from warmth and let it cool barely.


- Assemble the salad: In a big bowl, mix chopped lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, pink onion, black beans, and corn.


- Add the taco meat: Toss within the cooked beef combination and blend every part collectively gently.


- Toss with Fritos: Proper earlier than serving, add the Fritos so that they keep crunchy.


- Gown it up: Drizzle Catalina dressing excessive and toss to coat.


- Garnish and serve: Add bitter cream and black olives if desired. Serve instantly.
Make this Traditional Frito Salad with Catalina Dressing recipe, then take a look at my Seven Layer Taco Salad and extra of my simple potluck salads.


TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn on for suggestions and substitution concepts on learn how to make this recipe, akin to learn how to customise this salad, and learn how to retailer this salad.
Can I make this salad forward of time?
Sure! Put together all of the components individually and retailer them within the fridge. Wait so as to add the Fritos and dressing till simply earlier than serving.
What can I take advantage of as a substitute of Catalina dressing?
vinaigrette is a superb substitute, or you’ll be able to attempt chipotle for a unique twist.
Can I take advantage of rooster or turkey as a substitute of beef?
Completely! Shredded, grilled, or floor rooster or turkey works effectively instead protein.
How do I make this salad vegetarian?
Skip the bottom beef and add further black beans, pinto beans, and even quinoa for protein.
What different toppings go effectively with this salad?
Avocado, diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or crushed Doritos for further crunch!
Easy methods to Retailer Leftovers of Frito Taco Salad
Leftovers ought to be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days. Maintain the Fritos separate so that they don’t get soggy. If the salad appears somewhat dry the following day, simply add somewhat further dressing earlier than serving.


A Enjoyable and Tasty Potluck Salad for Any Gathering
Frito Taco Salad is a enjoyable, flavorful, and straightforward dish that all the time will get rave evaluations. Whether or not you’re bringing it to a yard BBQ, potluck, or simply making it for a weeknight meal, it’s a assured favourite. The mixture of contemporary components, daring taco seasoning, and crispy Fritos makes each chunk scrumptious. Give this recipe a try to watch it disappear very quickly!
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Different POtluck Salad recipes to attempt
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook dinner Time
quarter-hour
Whole Time
25 minutes
Substances
- 1 lb floor beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced pink onion
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (11 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- ¾ cup Catalina salad dressing
- ½ cup bitter cream (elective)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (elective)
Directions
- In a big skillet over medium warmth, prepare dinner the bottom beef till browned, breaking it up because it cooks. Drain extra grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for about 5 minutes till the combination thickens. Take away from warmth and let cool barely.
- In a big salad bowl, mix lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, pink onion, black beans, and corn.
- Add the cooked taco meat and blend gently.
- Simply earlier than serving, toss within the Fritos for crunch.
- Drizzle Catalina dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Prime with bitter cream and black olives if desired. Serve instantly.
Vitamin Info:
Yield:
6
Serving Measurement:
1
Quantity Per Serving:
Energy: 888Whole Fats: 55gSaturated Fats: 15gTrans Fats: 3gUnsaturated Fats: 33gLdl cholesterol: 97mgSodium: 1188mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 8gSugar: 16gProtein: 34g
The supplied diet info is an estimate and it doesn’t take manufacturers under consideration. I take advantage of an automated API to calculate this info.